GRADE SIX
COURSE OF STUDY

RELIGION – MS. SWAYKUS

In Grade 6 students learn about the roots of their faith found in the Old and New Testaments. Other doctrinal contents include the Trinity, the Church, Blessed Mother, liturgy, sacraments, Ten Commandments and prayer. The study of morality is interwoven throughout the course. The Church seasons, feasts, the Sunday Gospels, and the lives of the saints, especially those associated with the Visitation Order, are discussed. Special emphasis is placed on the saints.

Class discussions are centered in areas of scripture, doctrine, prayer, the sacraments and conscience formation. Activities and projects reflecting these areas may be assigned as homework. Quizzes are given periodically. Tests are given at the completion of a chapter or unit (about every two-three weeks). Tests include objective and essay questions.

Text: Faith First Level 6. Resources for Christian Living, 2007.
The New American Bible.
The Good News Weekly. Ligouri Publications.

Class meets 45 minutes four times per week.

LANGUAGE ARTS – MS. DUGAN

The Language Arts program is an integration of English, reading and spelling. This course teaches skills in English grammar, writing, independent reading, vocabulary and spelling. Students study various literature genres. They learn to determine and examine plot, characters, setting and theme. Reading strategies such as making predictions and connections and active questioning are taught. Opportunities for writing are also integrated, and our English texts and Daily Oral Language (D.O.L.) support the teaching of English writing conventions. Students will have periodic reading conferences with the teacher about what they are reading independently. The source of our spelling lists includes the vocabulary series, as well as the spelling guide from the Houghton Mifflin English text. Students will practice a variety of types of writing, including descriptive, informational, procedural and persuasive writing.

Writing skills are explored using the Six Trait Writing method. Students will have opportunities to use the six traits, or characteristics (ideas, organization, word choice, sentence fluency, voice and conventions) throughout the year as they practice their creative writing skills. Writing mechanics such as sentence editing, punctuation, grammar and reference skills are practiced in Daily Oral Language Review. Daily journal prompts offer the opportunity to strengthen creative writing abilities.

The novels we read together in class will be studied independently in part, through homework assignments. Tests will be given upon completion of the novels we read together in class. These assignments/tests are some of the sources of the "reading" grade on the progress report.

Vocabulary units will be covered over two weeks. During the first week, students will be tested on the spelling of the words. This assessment falls under the category of "spelling" on the progress report. During the second week, students will be tested on the meaning of the words in the unit. This assessment is part of the "reading" grade. Writing assignments generally fall under the category of "English" on the progress report, as well as English grammar assignments and tests.

All tests (spelling, vocabulary, English grammar, novel) will be sent home to be signed and returned within two school days. Signed tests will remain filed at school. Parents are welcome to review the tests at school once they have been signed and returned; please make an appointment with Ms. Dugan to do so via email.

Texts: Reading text: Triumphs. Houghton Mifflin, 2001.
English texts: English. Level 6. Houghton Mifflin, 1998.
Winston Grammar Word Works, Precious Moments, 1997.

Vocabulary text: Vocabulary Workshop Level A.
Sadlier-Oxford, 2005.
Write Source 2000, Houghton Mifflin, 2001.

Class meets for approximately 90 minutes five times per week.

MATHEMATICS - MRS. HOLTHAUS

The focus of the early chapters is on rational numbers, their operations, and their algebraic representations. Students will apply their skills to problem-solving situations and use estimation to check reasonableness. Measurement conversions, area, averages and data displays are introduced early in the course and then integrated and expanded upon throughout the year. Later chapters include equations and functions, geometry, square roots and probability.

Every lesson has both skill practice and problem-solving, including multi-step problems. Problem-solving strategies are presented and practiced daily, independently as well as in cooperative groups. Instruction and practice on standardized test questions in many formats, such as multiple choice, short response, and extended response, is provided to better help students prepare for standardized math tests. Technology support for course content and standardized test preparation is available at www.classzone.com.

Two quizzes are given per chapter. A chapter or cumulative test is given at the end of each chapter. Homework is required. Budget 20 - 30 minutes for math homework every night. Note taking skills and vocabulary review skills are emphasized and developed throughout the course.

Text: McDougal Littell Math Course 2. 2007.

Class meets for approximately 45 minutes five times per week.

SOCIAL STUDIES – MRS. HILL

In Grade 6, students begin the study of the origins of their civilization by focusing on the ancient civilizations of the Middle East and Egypt. From there, students learn about the ancient civilizations of Greece, Rome, India and China. Study continues with the geography and history of Western Europe, Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Australia.

A supplementary world history atlas is used to emphasize map skills as well as the reading of charts, diagrams and tables.

Tests are given approximately every two-three weeks, at the end of each chapter. Tests are based on vocabulary, review questions at the end of each lesson, workbook pages, and any supplementary information or questions given in class and written in students' binders. All chapter tests are required to be signed and returned. Daily work is based on the lessons in each chapter and supplemental information. Projects and current events are assigned throughout the year.

Text: The World. Scott Foresman, 2003.
The Nystrom Atlas of World History. Nystrom Herf Jones
Education Division, 2004.

Class meets 45 minutes five times per week.

SCIENCE – MS. SWAYKUS

The Science curriculum has three units: Life Science, Electricity and Magnetism, and Physical Science. This program provides opportunities for students to develop, maintain, and utilize the basic science-process skills of observing, comparing, classifying, collecting and interpreting data; communicating, planning and conducting simple investigations; measuring, predicting, inferring, drawing conclusions; using models, hypothesizing, identifying and controlling variables, and experimenting. Emphasis on successful study-skill strategies is incorporated into the curriculum. Toward the end of the year, students are involved in a space unit which cumulates in an all-day field trip to the Challenger Learning Center participating in a simulated space mission.

Quizzes are given occasionally and tests are given at the end of each chapter. Careful note taking and completed assignments in science binders are necessary for successful quiz and test taking. A test study guide is given in class approximately four-five days in advance. Budget 15 minutes for science homework every night.

Text: Harcourt Science. Harcourt, Inc. 2000.

Class meets 40 minutes five times per week.

MUSIC – MRS. SCHWARTZ

The goal of the Music program is to help children see the value of music in their lives as an art form; as a source of enjoyment; as a part of their historical, cultural and social awareness; and as a source of beauty and creative expression in a world of technology.

At this level, students take a leadership role in all aspects of the Music program. Concept and skill instruction continues using the Grade 4-5 basic series in increasing difficulty. The students continue to learn to read music and develop fine motor skills through soprano recorder. Students experience leadership roles in liturgical music and concerts, some with harmony parts to prepare for middle school choir. Handbells are taught in class for use in liturgies and concerts.

Students should practice their recorders at home for ten minutes, five times per week. Participation and good behavior in class is paramount. All students are expected to participate in the Christmas and Spring Concerts.

Text: Spotlight on Music. McGraw Hill, 2005.

Class meets 40 minutes two or three times per week.

FRENCH – MRS. ARATA

Students experience many opportunities to practice communication in paired student activities, conversations, reading selections and cultural topics. Activities encompass a variety of language-learning styles providing multiple ways for students to be successful. Class participation is very important and good listening skills aid in pronunciation.

Text: Bon Voyage! Heinle & Heinle Publishing, 1994.

Class meets 45 minutes two times per week.

SPANISH – MS. HARMON

This course in an introduction to the Spanish Language in a relaxed environment capable of enhancing self confidence as familiarity with the language grows. Classroom time will be spent in a variety of activities including question and answer conversations, work in pairs and groups as well as games to introduce and reinforce vocabulary. Cultural awareness is reinforced through reading and holiday projects.

Text: Realidades A, Prentice Hall, 2004.

Class meets twice a week for 45 minutes each class.

ART – MRS. WALTHER

Students experience a variety of media. In the primary grades, students learned and used the various elements of art. These skills will be further developed in Grades 4, 5, and 6 with an emphasis placed on the art principles such as balance, contrast, repetition and emphasis. Students gain an appreciation for art through art history and a focus on artists' works. The student's confidence in her artistic ability is fostered.

Class meets 45 minutes two times per week.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH - MRS. SITEK

The Physical Education units taught in Grades 4, 5 and 6 promote rhythmic movement, leadership skills, fair play, self-esteem and teamwork. The Physical Education units include: volleyball, soccer, flag football, Frisbee golf, basketball, softball, floor tennis, dance and more. These activities strengthen muscular development, flexibility and endurance. The Physical Education program stresses the values of responsibility, cooperation, self-acceptance and good sportsmanship.

The health curriculum consists of a comprehensive health, substance-abuse and violence-prevention program twice a month. The topics include nutrition, illness prevention, drug and alcohol prevention, safety, etc. This program, The Great Body Shop, contains information to help your child understand her body, the way it works and the best way to keep it healthy.

Students in Grades 4, 5 and 6 walk/run the mile in the fall and participate in the Presidential Physical Fitness testing in the spring.

Grade 6 plans and executes the Annual Visitation Field Day for the Lower School students. This activity enhances leadership, cooperation and teamwork by every student.

All classes meet for 40 minutes two or three times per week.

COMPUTER – MRS. WILEY

The curriculum begins with learning the PC desktop. Students choose from these applications: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, Power Point and Publisher), Inspiration, Kid Pix, Kidspiration, Kid Keys and Internet Explorer.

The focus is one of incorporating these applications into project-based learning in the various subjects of the academic curriculum, which gives students experience using paint and draw programs, word processing and multi-media.

All students are taught to save and retrieve their projects from their own folder on the server.

All students, closely monitored by teachers, are taught to use the Internet with a focus on safety, the value and quality of sources, and copyright issues.

Grades 1-6 meet for 45 minutes twice a week with both the homeroom and computer teacher present.

LIBRARY – MRS. BYRD

The purpose of the library is to excite the girls about reading, improve their research skills, and supply students and teachers with books. Students visit weekly to check out books and read. Visits to the library are also scheduled to learn more about research materials and methods in conjunction with classroom projects. In addition, enrichment materials are provided to classrooms to dovetail areas of study.

ACADEMIC POLICIES
GRADES 4, 5 and 6

A. Progress/Performance

Report cards each quarter

Parent-Teacher conferences are scheduled after the fall grading period and are optional in the spring

Conferences and/or observations are available on request

CODE TO GRADING

A+	= 100 - 99	Consistently excellent work
A	=  98 - 95	demonstrating insight, initiative
A-	=  94 - 93	creativity and scholarship
B+	=  92 - 91	Consistently superior work
B	=  90 - 87	demonstrating above average
B-	=  86 - 85	comprehension and performance
C+	=  84 - 83	Consistently acceptable work
C	=  82 - 80	demonstrating satisfactory mastery of
C-	=  79 - 78	basic concepts and conscientious performance
D+	=  77 - 76	Fluctuating performance, inadequate
D	=  75 - 72	mastery, performance below average
D-	=  71 - 70

B. Homework Expectations

Students in Grades 4-6 may expect homework assignments most evenings to develop a habit of study and to reinforce concepts learned during the day. It is very important that homework be completed when assigned. Students are responsible for being prepared for class each day. This includes having homework, supplies and educational materials needed for class each day.

C. Standardized Testing

ERB (Educational Records Bureau) - Administered to Grades 4, 5 and 6 in fall.

OLSAT (Otis-Lennon School Ability Test) – Administered to Grades 4 and 6 in the spring.